Methyphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant that works with chemicals in the brain that affect attention, concentration, hyperactivity and impulse control. Methylphenidate is prescribed under the brand names Concerta, Metadate, Methylin, Ritalin and Daytrana, and is most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as narcolepsy.
Reduction in ADHD Symptoms
Methylphenidate is the primary component of many medications for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterized by chronic inattention and hyperactivity that interferes with daily living in either children or adults. Methylphenidate works by stimulating the release of dopamine within the brain, resulting in a calming effect among those with ADHD. The result is often an increased ability to concentrate, reduced hyperactivity and decreased impulsivity.
Physical Effects
Methylphenidate is a central nervous system stimulant and affects not just the brain, but the entire body. Common side effects from methylphenidate include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, a nervous jittery feeling and insomnia. In some people prescribed methylphenidate, and more often in those abusing methylphenidate, serious side effects can occur and could possibly be fatal. A fast or uneven heartbeat is a serious side effect that requires medical care, as well as feeling like you may pass out, becoming aggressive or experiencing hallucinations. Furthermore, abusing methylphenidate can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, which can be fatal. According to the Mayo Clinic, common signs of high blood pressure are severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in the ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats and seizure.
Risk of Addiction
The risk of addiction to methylphenidate is a very real and serious problem. Each year, the "Monitoring the Future Survey" examines drug use among teens, and the results from the 2007 survey indicate that the use of stimulants ranked as the third most commonly used drug among 12th-graders. The National Institute on Drug Abuse indicates that using stimulants as a recreational drug is dangerous and the risk of addiction is high, due to the way methylphenidate affects the brain. A rapid increase of dopamine occurs in the brain when methylphenidate is used in any dose or route other than that prescribed by a doctor. Long-term chronic use of methylphenidate leads to withdrawal symptoms when the drugs are discontinued, including fatigue, depression, and sleep problems.
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